Best places to ski in the Midwest

The best places to ski in the Midwest may not be up to par to the mountains out West, but I’m always a fan of taking advantage of the skiing we have close to home!

We’ve spent the last few years trying some Midwest skiing, so here are our favorite spots.

Lutsen Mountains, Minnesota

Our favorite place to ski in the Midwest and Minnesota is hands down Lutsen Mountains. Located on the North Shore of Lake Superior, the views at the top are amazing, and the numerous chalets and gondola make it feel like you’re not in Minnesota! Lutsen Mountains offers 4 mountains, 95 runs, and an 825 foot vertical, the highest of the locations on this list.

We ski here every year, so make sure to check out my detailed mountain guide and favorite places to eat and stay in the area! Full post can be found here.

Big Powderhorn Mountain, Michigan

Our next favorite place to ski in the Midwest is Wild Mountain in Ironwood, Michigan. This Upper Peninsula area is home to multiple ski hills and resorts, so it’s a winter-wonderland destination! Wild Mountain has great snow, offers 45 runs and a 622 foot vertical. We love finding trees to ski in and there are lots of fun options here!

We spent a whole weekend in Ironwood, Michigan and highly recommend it for a winter getaway. For details on our winter hikes, waterfalls, cross-country skiing, and Big Powderhorn mountain guide, click here!

Afton Alps, Minnesota

Afton Alps makes this list because of its close proximity to the Twin Cities in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. It’s also the only resort on this list that is part of the Epic Pass which also allows you to ski many resorts out West. Afton Alps is a great place for beginners with many easy runs but also offers multiple dining options and terrain parks making it perfect for many skill levels!

Granite Peak, Wisconsin

It’s been 4 years since we’ve been to Granite Peak in Wausau, Wisconsin (which was pre-blog) so I only have this one badly edited photo! BUT, it is the best skiing you’ll find in Wisconsin. Many of my best friends from Wisconsin grew up skiing here and they agree! Granite Peak offers 68 runs and a 700 foot vertical, and is one of the oldest ski resorts in the country. A great weekend getaway with options for all skill levels!